Parliament Matters

In this episode, we explore the outcomes and implications of the latest Select Committee Chair elections in Parliament. The newly elected chairs will play a pivotal role in scrutinising the government, but can they effectively work together? We talk to Dr. Marc Geddes, a leading expert on Select Committees, who highlights how this year’s competitive elections compare to previous parliaments and what that could mean for committee dynamics in the future.

What did the candidates promise in their nomination papers? We discover the unique candidacy of one MP who ran on a platform of "Stop this Nonsense," railing against the flood of campaign emails and leaflets during the election process (or what she described as the “Select Committee Chair silly season”).

Another newly elected chair is proposing weekly summaries of public hearings in a "crop and drop" format, allowing colleagues to easily communicate updates to their constituents.

Throughout the episode, we tackle listeners' pressing questions:

• How much influence do party leaders wield in Select Committee elections?
• Which committee chairs are likely to make it to the government frontbench before the next election?
• How do Select Committees decide which inquiries to prioritize?
• What role does public engagement play in their inquiries?

In addition, Ruth and Mark dissect the latest Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) session. Despite the influx of new MPs, PMQs remains a spectacle of soundbites and jeering, with little progress on substantive debate. They discuss how newer MPs seem to be following in the footsteps of the old guard, continuing the orchestrated shouting matches led by party whips.

One key issue raised during this PMQs was Rishi Sunak’s focus on whether the government will publish an Impact Assessment related to the decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Allowance. Ruth explains the significance of Impact Assessments and why they matter for government transparency and accountability.

The episode also explores the political dilemma faced by Labour MPs who abstained from the Winter Fuel Allowance vote. Voting against the motion would allow the wealthiest to continue receiving the benefit, while voting for it would mean supporting means-testing, potentially disadvantaging struggling constituents. Ruth and Mark debate whether constituents will understand the nuances behind MPs' decisions to abstain and how this might impact their future support.

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Parliament Matters is a Hansard Society production supported by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust.

Producer: Richard Townsend

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The Private Members’ Bill (PMB) ballot for this Session has been drawn, giving 20 MPs the opportunity to introduce a law of their choice. Potential bills could include proposals such as assisted dying, but what are the real chances of success? We talk to PMB expert, Dr. Daniel Gover, to understand the value of these bills and what to watch out for in the coming months.

While Parliament was in recess the Government announced a means-test for the Winter Fuel Allowance, aimed at addressing what it says is a £22 billion deficit in the public finances. This change, implemented via a Statutory Instrument, has prompted the Opposition to table a ‘prayer’ motion to overturn the decision. Labour MPs are facing intense pressure in their constituencies, particularly from aggrieved pensioners. So, will this be the first big test of Keir Starmer’s hold on his parliamentary troops?

The first few Government Bills has successfully passed through the House of Commons this week. Their smooth passage raises questions about the Government’s approach to legislative scrutiny. As the 100-day deadline for introducing key bills looms, we assess what’s next for the Government’s legislative agenda.

Jeremy Corbyn, alongside five independent MPs who ran on a pro-Palestinian platform in the last election, has formed the 'Independent Alliance.' The group hopes it will give them an advantage in the selection of parliamentary questions and debates. But can this informal alliance give them a strategic advantage?

Next week marks the close of nominations for the election of new Select Committee chairs. We analyse the key contenders and their potential to hold the Government to account in the months ahead.

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Parliament Matters is a Hansard Society production supported by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust.

Producer: Richard Townsend

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How is a King’s Speech crafted? What really happens behind the doors of the Parliamentary Business and Legislation Cabinet Committee? How have parliamentary tactics on legislation evolved and what new tactics might MPs employ when facing a Government with such a commanding majority? In this episode we discuss the art and strategy of law-making with Nikki da Costa, former Director of Legislative Affairs for two Conservative Prime Ministers in Number 10 Downing Street.

Nikki shares her expert analysis of Labour’s recent King’s Speech, dissecting the potential pressure points and what it reveals about Labour’s strategy with their overwhelming majority. We get her insider’s perspective on how departments compete for legislative slots, the pivotal role civil servants play in helping a new Government prepare its legislative programme, and the Prime Minister’s influence in shaping the legislative agenda.

As Parliament gears up for a busy Session this Autumn, Nikki provides valuable insights into how the Parliamentary Business and Legislation Committee determines whether a bill is ready to be presented to Parliament and the complex drafting and preparation required to bring these bills to life.

We also explore whether Labour, with its commanding majority, still needs a dedicated parliamentary management unit like the one Nikki led under Theresa May and Boris Johnson.

How have parliamentary tactics evolved since Labour last held a similar position in 1997? Nikki explains how MPs have increasingly adopted sophisticated parliamentary strategies to craft amendments to leverage media attention, and what this could mean for Labour's ability to manage its legislative agenda.

With Labour not in command of a majority in the House of Lords, we discuss how this could impact their legislative efforts and whether they need to strengthen their presence in the Upper House to ensure their bills pass smoothly.

Nikki and Ruth also dive into the complexities of delegated legislation, examining the increasing reliance on Statutory Instruments and the potential consequences if Parliament were to begin to push back against them.

Finally, we turn our focus to the Opposition. Nikki offers her game plan for how they can maximise their impact in Parliament despite limited resources. Is it still worth engaging in the kind of late-night ambushes and procedural tactics that were once commonplace?

Tune in for a compelling look at the intricate world of law-making, as Nikki da Costa pulls back the curtain on the processes, strategies, and challenges that shape the legislative landscape.

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Parliament Matters is a Hansard Society production supported by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust.

Producer: Leo Bayles, The Podcast Company

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This week's bruising Commons exchange between the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, and the man she replaced at the Treasury, Jeremy Hunt, is just the opening encounter in what promises to be a long running parliamentary battle over the state of the public finances. MPs can expect to be asked to approve extra spending estimates in the autumn, and there'll be a Budget and a full-scale Comprehensive Spending Review as well. 

But why were MPs asked to approve £1.04 trillion in extra spending in July, without ministers pointing out that they believed the departmental budgets on which the spending was based to be dangerously flawed? And why the rush to push that extra spending through before the summer holidays.... Ruth reveals the link to a Victorian decision to ensure that gentlemen MPs could start their grouse-shooting on the Glorious 12th. 

The carve up of select committee chairs between the parties has also been announced, with most going to Labour, while the Conservatives will provide the chair of the Home Affairs Committee (a good vantage point from which to attack the Government on immigration) while the Lib Dems will provide the Chair of Health and Social Care (perhaps foreshadowing a cross party deal on Social Care?). And does the decision to scrap the European Scrutiny Committee mean MPs won't be able to monitor important changes in Britain's relationship with the EU?

With more than a thousand new bag-carriers set to be hired by MPs to work with them in Parliament, Ruth and Mark talk to former union rep Max Freedman, who has just stepped down after 15 years chairing the Unite staff branch in Parliament about the perils and rewards of being a Westminster aide -cautioning that the reality is far from the glamour depicted in shows like the ‘West Wing’. 

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Parliament Matters is a Hansard Society production supported by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust.

Producer: Leo Bayles, The Podcast Company

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One consequence of the mini-parliamentary rebellion on the King’s Speech is that Keir Starmer has decisively disciplined his backbench rebels, but is this firm approach a one-off for the King’s Speech or indicative of a broader strategy? With the Chancellor set to layout the depths of the nation’s financial woes next week, we ask: will the honeymoon period for the Labour government soon be over?

Parliamentary Rebellion Consequences: The recent rebellion during the King’s Speech has significant repercussions. The seven offending MPs are barred from running for Select Committee seats. While negotiations continue over the division of Committee Chairs, the Conservative leadership race could complicate the establishment of these Committees.

The Modernisation Committee: One Committee that might kick off quicker than some others is the new House of Commons Modernisation Committee, a key promise in Labour’s manifesto. Chaired by the Leader of the House, its members will be appointed, not elected. This has sparked complaints from smaller parties about their lack of representation. Do they have a legitimate case?

MPs’ Second Jobs: Fact or Fiction? The government recently tabled a motion claiming to abolish MPs' second jobs. But is this claim accurate? If not, what further actions might be on the radar to reduce MPs' outside work?

Historic Deputy Speaker Election: For the first time, all three newly elected Deputy Speakers are women, with one being the first ethnic minority MP to sit in the Chair. Conversely, the House of Lords is moving to prevent elections for new hereditary peers, pending government legislation to abolish their voting rights.

Government’s Early Performance: After two weeks of parliamentary business, Mark and Ruth reflect on the government's performance. While there’s an increased focus on legislative standards and scrutiny, early signs of teething problems and complaints from various House of Commons members suggest challenges ahead.

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Parliament Matters is a Hansard Society production supported by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust.

Producer: Leo Bayles, The Podcast Company

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The legislative sausage machine has cranked into action so Mark and Ruth dissect the government’s programme following the King’s Speech. They examine the proposals for major new bills on planning and devolution aimed at galvanising the economy, along with revamped legacy bills the Government is adopting from the previous administration. Where might political tensions and difficulties arise? What insights did the King’s Speech offer on parliamentary matters, and can we expect more bills beyond those identified in the legislative programme?

This week, parliamentary rebellions expert Professor Philip Cowley joins the podcast to discuss the challenges of managing a mega-majority in Parliament. What lessons can Labour learn from the Blair years? Have changes in Parliament over the last 25 years made rebellions more likely? And in a surprising revelation, Phil explains why Keir Starmer reminds him of Robert Redford!

As the initial exhilaration fades and the hard legislative grind begins, many new MPs in previous parliaments have struggled with the enormity of the job and its impact on their lives. We look at what will it be like for the generation of 2024?

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Parliament Matters is a Hansard Society production supported by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust.

Producer: Richard Townsend

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Old stagers and complete newcomers: Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s ministerial team is taking shape. But is it a good idea to turn newly-minted MPs straight into ministers? Looking ahead we also explore the upcoming Deputy Speaker elections and the allocation of Select Committee chairs.

With hundreds of new MPs entering Parliament, all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, we examine the contrasting experiences of those leaving, disappointed and deflated. Former Conservative MP Paul Masterton shares his insights on life after losing his seat in 2019. Did he receive a commiseration phone call from his party leader and the party chair? How long did it take him to find alternative employment? And what is his advice for former MPs adjusting now to life outside Parliament after being cast out of Westminster by the voters?

Next week it’s the State Opening of Parliament when the Labour Government will unveil its programme of new laws in the King’s Speech. But are the processions and the pomp of the State Opening becoming a bit of an embarrassing hangover of past national glories? Parliamentary historian Daniel Brittain explains why he thinks the ceremony still matters. 

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Parliament Matters is a Hansard Society production supported by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust.

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With a 50% new intake and 40% female representation, the latest parliamentary group promises exciting new talent. Renowned journalist and 'Tomorrow’s MPs' watcher Michael Crick shares his insights on the standout figures to watch in the coming years.

The general election results will reshape the parliamentary dynamics. How will this affect the Government and Opposition parties? Can the rules governing the rights and responsibilities of Opposition, designed for an era of two-party dominance, survive much longer in our multi-party system?

Key cabinet positions have been filled, with further junior ministerial appointments on the way. Notably, Sir Patrick Vallance and James Timpson have been appointed to the House of Lords to serve as Minister for Science and Minster for Prisons respectively. But how easy is it for external appointees to navigate not just a new Government department but also the experience of being a new member of the House of Lords?

With the loss of many key figures, how will the Conservative Party structure its top team to shadow the Government temporarily, pending the leadership contest?

And thousands of students nationwide participated in the Hansard Society’s Mock Elections programme. Which party emerged victorious in the schools' poll, and what do the results reveal about young people's political interests and engagement?

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Parliament Matters is a Hansard Society production supported by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust.

Producer: Richard Townsend

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Government Ministers have been warning of the risks if Labour wins a ‘supermajority’. But does the concept have any real meaning in the House of Commons? If Labour emerges from the election facing a tiny – a micro-opposition – what are the implications? And if the Conservative Party ends up with a similar number of seats to the Liberal Democrats should – indeed could - the rights and responsibilities of being the Official Opposition be split? Is there any historical precedent to call upon?

How will events unfold when MPs get back to business? When can we expect the first legislation after the King’s Speech? When will Select Committees be set up? Will there be an early Budget? Will Parliament sit into August or break for recess as normal at the end of July?

And how is the House of Commons preparing to support the new MPs? What will await them during their first days at Westminster? When will they get their offices? How will they learn the do’s and don’t of etiquette in the Chamber? 

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Parliament Matters is a Hansard Society production supported by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust.

Producer: Gareth Jones

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After a brief election-induced hiatus Mark and Ruth are back to look at the party’s manifesto plans to reshape Parliament and politics. They are joined by one of the country’s leading constitutional experts, Professor Meg Russell, Director of the Constitution Unit at University College London, to give us her verdict on the parties’ proposals to reform both the Commons and the Lords. 

They explore Labour’s proposals for a Modernisation Committee in the House of Commons which will be tasked with considering procedural reforms, driving up standards and improving working practices. So, what might the agenda for this new Committee look like? How will the membership be constituted in a House with so many new MPs who have little knowledge and experience of how Westminster works?

The conversation then shifts to the House of Lords, where Mark and Ruth speak with Earl Kinnoull, Convenor of the Crossbench Peers, the facilitator of the second largest group in the House. The Lords is one of the few real speed-bumps that a Labour Government with a large Commons majority would face. Could a Labour Government even with a very big majority run into resistance on some of its proposals to reform the Upper House? Lord Kinnooull suggests that building cross-party consensus is likely to be the most productive approach to these constitutional reforms.

Back in the studio Meg Russell suggests ways in which the relatively vague manifesto commitments might be implemented, to improve the way Peers enter and leave the House and to police its future size. 

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Parliament Matters is a Hansard Society production supported by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust.

Producer: Richard Townsend

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.